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Chris Sutton has raved about Celtic youngster Mikey Johnston and expects him to have a big season at Parkhead.
The 20-year-old made a stunning impact during the club’s first competitive game of the season this week and it looks like he could be in line for a regular first-team role.
He scored one and assisted another in a 3-1 away victory against FK Sarajevo in a Champions League first leg qualifying match.
The academy graduate unleashed a thunderous shot from range to get on the scoresheet and looked a major threat cutting in from the flank.
Johnston has been eased into the senior set-up over the last year and it looks like he may now be ready for a frequent role.
The left-winger is a technically gifted wide player with pace and trickery, while he’s not shy in front of goal either.
Ex-Celtic ace Sutton is impressed by Johnston stepping up in the European qualifier and believes his manager Neil Lennon will be thrilled.
“The sweet strike [against FK Sarajevo] eased any creeping feeling of tension out in Bosnia and could be the making of Johnston. A lot is expected of the lad and this is going to be an extremely important season,”
“I like the lad and he has bags of potential but he only started seven games last term and flitted in and out of matches, which tends to be the case with young players.
“The good thing is Johnston is rising to the challenge. It’s early days but Lennon must be delighted – as this lad could save him a fortune.”
TBR’s View:
Lennon is clearly a big fan of Johnston and rewarded his excellent pre-season form with a start in a big European fixture.
The fearless youngster surely has a real chance of cementing his spot in the team if his performances continue in the same vein and Sutton also pointed out that he could learn a lot from Celtic coach Damien Duff.
Celtic should get the job done in their second leg against FK Sarajevo and continue their attempt to reach the Champions League group stages.